RAISE Lab

Caroline Guzi, M.A.

(she/her)
  @Caroline Guzi

Caroline is a doctoral student who joined the lab in Spring 2019. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University in 2015. Caroline’s professional background has largely been in early childhood education, where she developed the belief that all children deserve to be heard and feel safe while learning and exploring the world around them. Her past research has included the impact of Head Start programs and arts and mindfulness interventions on preschool- and elementary school-aged children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Her personal research interests include exploring the social constructs of modern parenting. Caroline is currently a student clinician at WCU’s Community Mental Health Services Clinic, where she works collaboratively with families, children, college students, and adults. She has run therapy groups for local high schoolers and local parents. In the future, she hopes to work with children, adolescents and families.

Fabianne Blake, M.A.

(she/her)

 Fabianne is a doctoral student who joined the lab in Spring 2020. She has previous graduate studies in developmental and clinical psycholog.y Before her doctoral studies, she provided psychological services in Trinidad at a Child Guidance Clinic. The clinic was one of two in the country, so Fabianne gained experience working with a wide variety of cases including children and families who had expierneced trauma and faced socioeconimc difficulties that heightened their risk for problematic family functioning and psychopathology. This honed an interest in working with marginalized children and families. In her doctoral career, Fabianne has been engaged in research and clinical work on developmental psychology, attachment-based interventions, home-visitng, dissemination and implementation of evidence-based intervents and trauma-focused psychotherapy. She also works as a clinical supervisor and trainer of the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catchup intervention. Fabianne's goals include working towards improving access to evidence-based treatmetns for marginalized populations.

Cassidy Tennity, M.A.

Cassidy graduated WCU's general Psychology master's program in Spring 2020. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 2018 with her B.A. in Psychology where she assisted in conducting research on peer relations in middle-childhood and interpersonal stress generation in adolescents. Cassidy's research interests lie in implementing and evaluating evidence-based clinical programs for at-risk and detained youth in juvenile detention and community settings.  She is particularly interested in post-traumatic stress, substance use, and externalizing behaviors. After receiving her master's degree from WCU, Cassidy will be attending the University of Southern Mississippi pursuing her PhD under the advisement of Dr. Nora Charles.

Evan Jacoby, B.A.

Evan is a master's student who joined the team in Summer 2020. He graduated from Kutztown University with his B.A. in General Psychology in Spring 2017. Since graduating, Evan has worked with juvenile males with problematic sexual behavior in a residential setting. He works in collaboration with clinical professionals and co-workers to rehabilitate clients into becoming a successful part of the community. Following his masters degree, Evan would like to transition into a clinical doctoral program to continue researching and assisting troubled youth.

Brian Wiley, M.S. Ed.

Brian is a doctoral student who joined the team in Fall 2019. Brian graduated with his master’s degree in school and mental health counseling from the University of Pennsylvania in 2017. Since then, Brian has been practicing family based therapy, utilizing Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy,  in southeastern Pennsylvania and southern Florida. His primary clientele were children and adolescents who have been self-referred, or court mandated to therapy for Emotional/Behavioral disorders or truancy. While pursuing his doctorate, Brian wishes to research the effects of trauma on an individual’s emotional and mental development; and understanding how a caregiver’s trauma can impact a child or adolescent. Brian’s long term goal is to start a group home for children who have experienced trauma, and provide therapeutic services that help them to process and heal from the pain they have experienced.

Taylor Aves, B.A.

Taylor was a research assistant in our lab from August 2018-August 2019. Taylor graduated in May 2018 from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Psychology. Her research interests center around child and adolescent mental health, particularly with regards to depression, anxiety, suicidology, trauma, and autism spectrum disorder. After gaining some more research and clinical experience, she hopes to be accepted into a Clinical Psychology PhD program focusing on child and adolescent mental health through one of her research interests. Her end goal is to combat the mental health issues that many children and adolescents experience in an effort to lower suicide risk and save lives.

Angela Dorsey, B.S.

Angela graduated in Winter 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology. Angela hopes to attend graduate school and become a school psychologist. She is interested in somatic therapies for children and hopes to participate in research exploring them.

Sarah Hammaker, B.S.

Sarah earned her BS in Psychology and BA in Sociology from Penn State University. She currently volunteers in the RAISE lab and works in the community as a Crime Victims Counselor/Advocate. Sarah plans to earn her Master’s of Social Work degree, specializing in working with at-risk youth and families. Her goals are to develop and implement more effective and sustainable mental health treatment models, especially for underserved populations. She aims to continually advocate for social equity and a stigma-free, high quality, affordable system of mental healthcare.

 Jack Banghart 

Jack is a returning student pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. Jack's interests center around treatment-resistant psychosis and trauma in populations that have been repeatedly psychiatrized. His interests in clinical psychology were solidified during the pandemic, while working as a photographer in Philadelphia and reading post-structuralism, psychoanalysis, and schizoanalysis in his free time. He is also one of the current heads of the neuroscience journal club here on campus. 

Paul Bernstein 

Paul is a fourth year Psychology major with a minor in the Русский language. After graduating, he plans to pursue a PsyD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Eating Disorders. He will then start the process of becoming a therapist to use his knowledge to provide therapy for the public, the often-overlooked community of Men with Eating Disorders, as well as the community of Women with Eating Disorders. He chose to join the RAISE lab as an opportunity to both provide help, and to obtain insight from people who are at higher risk of mental illness. He wishes to understand more about the consequences of trauma on a personal and educated level, rather than as a distant, textbook definition. 

Stephanie Fox

Stephanie is pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. Her interest within this field is neuropsychology. She is also interested in people, specifically adults, who suffer from mental illnesses, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. After graduation, Steph plans to get her PhD in either cognitive psychology or neuropsychology. Her long-term goals consist of researching with diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, treating patients with neurological conditions, and research between the links of neurological diseases and mental health illnesses.

Emma Gibson

Emma is pursing her B.S. in psychology. She aspires to further her education after undergraduate and receive her PsyD. Emma is also involved in the ECCEL lab where she works at a head start preschool for economic disadvantaged children. Emma loves working with animals and children. She hopes to become a child psychologist and specialize in equine therapy. Emma’s goal is to raise awareness for mental health and end the stigma behind it. Emma joined the team in Fall of 2022. 

Cassandra Molnar

Cassandra is currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology who plans to obtain her M.S. in School Counseling here at West Chester University. She is focused on helping students who struggle to learn in school and overcome any sort of barrier that is crucial to their learning. RAISE is her first step in her path towards researching more into the field to help others and gain more experience within the field of psychology during her time in RAISE. Cassandra started as an RA at RAISE in Fall 2022. 

Elizabeth Watts 

Elizabeth is pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. Elizabeth's specific area of interest is Childhood Development as it relates to trauma history. Her long-term interests are providing treatment and counseling to children in underserved communities with sexual and/or domestic abuse trauma as well as providing care to communities where mental health care access is limited. Elizabeth has been caring for children for 7 years and has a strong passion for working with children. Elizabeth joined the RAISE Lab in August of 2022 and is at the beginning of her educational research experience. She hopes to use this opportunity to positively impact others as well as gain the necessary experience in her desired field. Her goal as she goes forward in her educational and professional career is that she always fosters a desire to learn and grow so that she can provide the best care to those she is given the chance to work with.

Jillian Vander Zwan

Jillian Vander Zwan is pursuing a B.S. in psychology. She plans to earn a PsyD in clinical psychology after completing her undergraduate degree. In the future, Jillian hopes to work in a clinical setting, providing evidence-based therapies and services to trauma-exposed youth who are struggling with their mental health and behavioral health. Her long-term goal is to start her own private practice where she will continue her clinical work with children and young adults. Jillian joined the team in Spring 2022.

Nicole Napoletano

Nicole is pursuing her B.S. in psychology and minor in Finance. She aspires to further her education after undergraduate and plans to obtain her M.S in Mental Health Counseling. Nicole is also involved in a sorority on campus as their Philanthropy Chair that focuses on raising money towards Breast Cancer Awareness and Education. Nicole loves working with children and young adults. She aspires to becomes a mental health counselor for adolescents/young adults in hopes to help those who are struggling mentally. Nicole hopes to not only gain the necessary experience in her desired field, but to also bring awareness to mental health and share the importance of it. Nicole joined the team in Spring 2023.

Cailyn Hoyt

Cailyn is in her final semester of pursuing her B.S in Psychology. She plans to continue her educational journey pursing an M.S in General Psychology then a PhD. Her interest in the field falls mainly around research, especially with children and adolescents.Cailyn is also a part of ECCEL, where she assists at a Philadelphia Preschool. Cailyn's goal is to one day be a research psychologist and a university professor. Hopefully, pursue topics in childhood trauma, PTSD, relationships, and attachments.

Faryn Dockery

Faryn Dockery is currently pursuing her B.S in Psychology at West Chester University. Her passions include clinical work among pediatrics in Psychology. She hopes to gain hands on experience in the field through the amazing opportunity of RAISE Lab. Her future plan is to go to graduate school to earn her M.S and Psy.D in Clinical Psychology.

Nicole Cary

Nicole is pursuing her B.S. in psychology and plans to obtain her M.S. in Mental Health counseling. She is focused on helping adolescents and young adults who are struggling with mental illnesses. The RAISE lab will be the beginning of her research in the field where she hopes to gain experience working with children at risk. She also hopes this research opportunity will prepare her for graduate school. Her long-term goal is to become a mental health counselor for adolescents and young adults helping them to overcome anxiety, depression, and all the symptoms and challenges that come with them. Nicole joined the team in Spring 2023.

Brady Barley

Brady was a research assistant in our lab from December 2018-May 2019.  He is interested in ways that modern behavioral approaches to therapy are compatible with traditional psychoanalysis, as well as how evolutionary insights can limit cognitive behavioral theory. His professional goals are to complete a graduate-level education and to practice in a clinical setting. Brady also spent his first two years at CUNY Hunter College in New York City, is a master classical guitarist and works in video production.

Rebecca Spackman

Rebecca was a research assistant in our lab from December 2018-May 2019. Rebecca is primarily interested in child and adolescent mental health.  After graduation Rebecca wants to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology.

Devon Amen

Devon Amen was a research assistant in our lab from December 2018-May 2019 before graduating with her B.A. in Psychology. She is currently a student in  WCU's School Counseling Master's Program.  She is interested in expanding access to mental health services for all individuals, and especially for minority groups that may be underrepresented.

Natalie Chiappeta

Natalie was a research assistant in our lab from December 2018-May 2019. A long term vision of hers is to dissolve societal sigmas surrounding mental health treatment and bring forth compassion to those who have endured suffering.

Ayris Hopkins

Ayris was a research assistant in our lab during summer 2019.  His interests include family relationship counseling as well as love and marriage counseling. Ayris hopes to gain experience in research as well as expand his knowledge about the field. Ultimately, his goal is to bring his uplifting spirit and positivity to the research team.

Trinity Banks

Trinity was a research assistant in our lab from December 2018-October 2019. She is particularly interested in eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, and the effects of childhood trauma. Her long-term goal is to go to graduate school for clinical psychology, and eventually be a licensed psychologist working with adolescents and young adults.

Elise Klingaman

Elise was a research assistant in our lab from December 2018-December 2019. Elise is interested in trauma, behavioral disorders, and Autism. Elise will be attending Millersville University to obtain her M.S. in Clinical Psychology. Elise's goal is to act as a positive, caring, and understanding resource for children in need of psychological care in order to help them thrive.

Geaniant Echavarria

Geaniant was a research assistant in our lab from December 2018-December 2019. Her research interest is mental health across multi-ethnic youth and how different assessments work on multi-ethnic youth; due to some collectivist upbringing. Through research, she hopes to gain more insight into the traumatic experiences and mental health disorders  faced by most urban youth and how to best evaluate and serve those impacted. Geaniant hopes to use research as a way to learn and continue her passion for finding new ways to accommodate treatment to the collectivistic culture that urban youth experience.

Amy Oberholtzer

Amy was a research assistant in our lab from June 2019-December 2019. Her interests center around child, adolescent, and family counseling. Her long-term goals include assisting young children with long-term illnesses readjust back into their lives, family counseling, and teaching. 

Allison Parker

Allison was a research assistant in our lab from June 2019-December 2019. Her overall future goal is to become a clinical
psychologist who works with individuals affected by addiction and trauma.

Emma Jennings

Emma Jennings is a senior at West Chester University. Upon graduating, she will be getting her master's in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Her interest after completing her master's is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and to work with children that have autism. RAISE is her first experience with research and she hopes it will teach her the great aspects of psychological research. Emma joined the team in Winter 2019.

Emily Marks

Emily was a research assistant from Summer 2019 to Spring 2020. She is graduating Spring 2020 with her B.A. in psychology and plans to use her knowledge and experience to pursue a career in school psychology. She is hoping to begin graduate school in the next two years.

Shelby Karp

Shelby was a research assistant from Winter 2018 to Spring 2020. She is graduating Spring 2020 and is preparing for the GREs. She would like to apply to graduate school programs to start in Fall 2021.

Emily Feldman

Emily was a research assistant from Winter 2018 to Spring 2020. She is graduating Spring 2020 with her B.A. in Psychology. Emily is planning on going to graduate school to gain her PhD in clinical psychology.

Abigayle Cicoria

Abby was a research assistant from Winter 2018 to Spring 2020. She is graduating Spring 2020 with her B.A. in Psychology. She will be attending Rutgers University in Fall 2020 to receive her Masters of Social Work with a certification in Adolescent and Child Well-Being.

Jenna Cummings

Jenna was a research assistant from Winter 2018 to Spring 2020. She is graduating in Spring 2020 and is planning on attending a Master's program in the Fall and would like to continue her education after this to get her doctoral degree.  

Jordan Johnson

Jordan joined RAISE lab in Spring 2020 while majoring in Psychology with plans to graduate in the spring of 2020. After graduating he plans on pursuing a Masters in Counseling. His interests are centered around children, adolescence, addiction, and drug abuse. His future goal is to be able to provide therapy and counseling to adolescence in low income areas particularly effected by poverty and violence.

Shelby Kreglow

Shelby was a research assistant from Fall 2019 to Spring 2021 while pursuing a B.S in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. Her primary interests are in the biological processes of the brain and family relationships. After college, she plans on pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology and work with individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and their families.

Madeline Lucas

Madeline was a research assistant from Winter 2019 to Spring 2021 while pursuing a B.A. in psychology and plans to continue her education towards a PhD in clinical psychology. The RAISE Lab was the beginning of her research in the field, in which she hopes to gain experience working with children at risk for mental health disorders such as trauma. Madeline is particularly interested in mental health disorders among youth and young adults, such as anxiety and depression. She looks forward to being able to use this research and further research experience to develop an understanding on ways to support those in need in future practice.

Rebecca Garrett

Rebecca was a research assistant from Winter 2019 to Spring 2021 while majoring in psychology and a minoring in sociology. She has a focus on clinical practices and hopes to use therapeutic strategies, creative arts therapy, and/or mindfulness to help young children and teens to overcome struggles with mental illness–specifically hardships with anxiety disorders, depression, and familial dysfunctions. Throughout her college career, Rebecca has also helped advocate for awareness of mental illness and against stigma as an active member and part of the executive board of a club on campus known as To Write Love On Hers. Rebecca's end goal is to become a therapist and engage in helping other through the process of recovery.

Kathleen Moser

Kathleen was a research assistant from Spring 2020 to Spring 2021 while pursuing a B.A. in Psychology. Her main interests involve biological, behavioral, and cognitive psychology. She hopes to use research experience to further her understanding of the psychology field. Upon graduation, Kathleen will pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She hopes to use a psychology background to help rejuvenate the scientific fields and portray data in a casual manner.

Kate Wisniewski

Kate was a research assistant from Spring 2020 to Spring 2021. The RAISE LAB was Kate's first experience with research which she is hoping will give her the skills she needs to succeed in the field of psychology. She hopes to continue on to a graduate program in abnormal psychology and hopes to work with people in the early stages of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Allie Finney

Allie was a research assistant from Summer 2020 to Spring 2021 while pursuing her B.A. in Psychology and B.M. in Music Elective Studies. She is most interested in child and adolescent therapy with a focus on behavioral disorders. She is planning to attend graduate school in the fall of 2021 to begin her master’s degree in clinical psychology. RAISE Lab was her first experience with research where she hopes to gain new perspectives and knowledge within the field of psychology.

Tiana Douglas-Brown

Tiana was a research assistant from Summer 2020 to Spring 2021 while pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with minors in Professional Education and Civic and Professional Leadership. Her primary interests include the role of self-efficacy in the educational and psychological functioning of adolescents, and the psychosocial precursors of achievement for at-risk youth. As she nears the end of her undergraduate career, Tiana hopes to gain more experience and familiarity with clinical research. And upon graduation, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in School and Mental Health Counseling.

Ashley Fox

Ashley is pursuing a B.A. in psychology. Upon graduation, she plans to further her education by working towards a graduate degree in clinical mental health. Her previous research has been with the ECCEL lab at WCU, which included conducting assessments with preschool-aged children. In working with the RAISE lab, Ashley hopes to gain more experience to help with her future goal of providing therapy to children and adolescents.

Veronica Jeffers

Veronica was a research assistant from Summer 2020 to Spring 2021 while pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. The RAISE Lab was her first involvement with research. She looks forward to gaining experience working in the field with children at risk for mental health disorders. She is interested in mindfulness training practices as treatment for anxiety and depression. Veronica plans to continue her education towards a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling starting Fall 2021. Her long-term goal is to become a licensed counselor and provide therapy to couples and families.

Sarah Foster

Sarah was a research assistant from Winter 2020 to Spring 2021 while pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. The RAISE Lab was her first experience in research, and she hopes to gain the skills and knowledge within the clinical field of psychology. Sarah plans to continue her education upon graduation. Her primary interests are biological and behavioral health psychology.

Dylan Lisnow

Dylan was a research assistant from Spring 2020 to Spring 2021 while majoring in psychology. RAISE lab was his first experience with research and hopes to gain the skills in the field of clinical psychology with his time in the program. After college he hopes to pursue a masters in Psychology and wishes to follow a career in psychiatric therapy.

Kaylee Cavallo

Kaylee was a research assistant from Fall 2020 to Spring 2021 while pursuing a B.S in psychology. RAISE lab was her first experience with research and she is looking forward to gaining skills within the clinical side of psychology. She hopes to aid in the healing of individuals and to encourage them to overcome their hardships while implementing mindfulness/meditation practices. Her main interests are biological and behavioral psychology. After college, she plans on pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology and work with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and PTSD.

Daniel Papa

Daniel was a research assistant from Summer 2021 to Fall 2021. Daniel Papa is currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. After his undergraduate degree, he plans on pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. While studying as an undergraduate student, he wishes to gain research experience and learn valuable skills that he will implement as a clinician. He has taken a specific interest in PTSD and neuropsychology. During his involvement in the RAISE lab, he hopes to gain more experience in clinical research.

Nakira Hall
Nakira was a research assistant in Fall 2021. Nakira is pursuing a B.S in Psychology and on track to graduate in Spring 2022. RAISE Lab is her first lab. She hopes to gain knowledge in research for her future in psychology. She plans obtain her doctorate in clinical psychology with a focus on adolescents and the biology aspect in correspondence to psychology. Her long-term goal is helping all, but shining a light and bringing more awareness to mental health in the minority and the underrepresented communities.

Christian Toth

Christian is pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Special Education. Christian’s interests in this field relate to Family Relationships and Childhood Development, specifically mid to late adolescence. His plan is to continue his education as a School Psychologist or Family Therapist. His goal is to help build family connection with adolescents needing to develop social and professional skills. 

Carolyn Cusmano

Carolyn is pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Art History. Her vision for her future career is to provide caring and compassionate services to children from all walks of life. Her first research opportunity with the RAISE Lab will help build a strong foundation while providing many opportunities for skill acquisition and interpersonal experiences related to her interests in psychology. During her time in the RAISE lab, and throughout her remaining years at WCU,  Carolyn will remain dedicated to providing professional, compassionate and skilled services to children while increasing her knowledge and competency in these areas. Carolyn’s primary interests include the psychology of learning, the pedagogy of teaching gifted and talented, and the science of abnormal psychology. After graduating at WCU, Carolyn plans to pursue a master’s degree in the field of educational psychology. Her long-term goal, after working with children, is to share those experiences and knowledge as a professor. She hopes to help train another generation of students to make a difference in the lives of children. 

Dana Pratt

Dana Pratt is a Psychology major who plans to pursue her PsyD in Sports Psychology, specifically focused in gender in sport and eating disorders. She also works as a Peer Educator at the Center for Women and Gender Equity.

Sharon Regland

My name is Sharon Regland. I’m from Liberia, West Africa. I am currently working on my B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Gender Studies. I plan on obtaining a doctorate in Clinical Psychology one day. While studying as an undergraduate student, I wish to gain research and field experience. I would like to use my degree to help bring awareness to the importance of mental health in Africa.

Carol McDevitt

Carol is pursuing a B.S in Psychology with minors in HR Management and Law. The Raise lab is Carol’s second undergraduate research experience, and she is excited to gain further experience and work with the youth the Raise lab serves. She previously worked with the ECCEL lab on studying the effect the Head Start preschool programs have on children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. She was also able to complete study on child cognitive and emotional development in the context of classism, and racism through working with the ECCEL lab. She also currently serves in the Sister to Sister Peer Mentor Program. This program trains sorority women to promote healthy body image and spread awareness regarding eating disorders on campus. Her areas of interest include the impact of trauma and marginalization, social psychology, and the treatment of mental illness in youth. She hopes to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology after getting her undergraduate degree. 

Kayla Kinsey

Kayla is a fourth year Psychology major. She has been a member of the University Dance Company since 2018. She has been working with children since the age of 14 which has sparked her interest to be a part of the RAISE Lab. She will be graduating in Spring of 2021 and she is very excited to be part of such a great lab and raising awareness of childhood and family trauma.

Camryn Council

Camryn is pursuing a B.S in Psychology. She plans to continue her research journey within the RAISE lab to gain further experience in clinical psychology. She is very interested in studying Holistic medicine to concentrate on mindfulness and holism to help others in need. Her focus is to help marginalized communities gain the mental health access they need but may not be able to receive. She also wants to give counseling and holistic practices through her research to folks who are incarcerated.

Patricia Anderson

Patricia is a Junior pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. Once she graduates with her undergraduate degree, she will be perusing her master’s degree in the field of psychology. She wants to become a School Psychologist and help children in the school system. School is where most children spend half of their days or longer, so it is important that they have an outlet when they are away from home. This is the first lab that Patricia is participating in, but she is super excited to learn so much about doing research and helping with kids. The RAISE Lab will help with her future and give her the best tools needed to go above and beyond with her job.